FlexCURB project to enhance last-mile operations in four European cities

FlexCURB, an exciting new initiative focused on enhancing urban last-mile operations funded by EIT Urban Mobility, officially kicked off on Tuesday 11 January 2022. POLIS members Leuven and Toulouse will be involved, along the cities of Strasbourg and Funchal.

Freight transport accounts for 15% of traffic, 25% of urban transport CO2, and 40% of NOx emissions in major European urban areas. According to the World Economic Forum's projections, the number of delivery vehicles will grow by 36% until 2030 without further intervention, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion caused primarily by second-lane parking. 

Thanks to the contribution of innovation-oriented cities and top urban mobility as partners, this project seeks to improve urban last-mile operations by fostering sectoral collaboration and tailoring tools to enhance how city logistics are presently comprehended, coordinated and regulated. 

The online kick-off meeting was a chance to launch the project and further discuss the needs and expectations of the partners involved. The initiative will also deliver two innovative, commercial products:

1) The FlexCURB Planning platform to allow public sector partners to:

• Pilot dynamic traffic regulations to meet the demands of an ever-changing network. 
• Analyse and monitor the live and historical usage of parking assets.
• Connect logistics APIs, share curbside and traffic restrictions, decrease network turmoil, and solve conflicts with vulnerable road users.

2) The FlexCURB Driver App to supply logistics service providers with:

• Route planning based on active traffic regulations. 
• Delivery locations to devise freight movements based on the location of loading/unloading areas.
• Curb reporting.